KENNEWICK, Wash., May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will host its 13th annual Information Technology (IT) Day at the Three Rivers Convention Center on Wednesday, May 8, to increase IT education and awareness, as well as to encourage networking and collaboration in industry, academia and the community. The daylong event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is free of charge and open to the public.

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The 2013 IT Day theme is "Innovation at the Edge." Attendees are invited to participate in educational sessions about business collaboration via big data analytics; cloud computing; cyber security; enterprise mobility; Green IT; and much more. The agenda also features a panel of industry experts discussing topics such as big data and cloud computing; and a seminar explaining how strong partnerships deliver broadband services to the region.

"Lockheed Martin is absolutely delighted to host this incredible event for the Tri-Cities again this year," said Kyle Willers, program director at Lockheed Martin's Information Systems & Global Solutions business. "IT Day is a one-of-a-kind event in Eastern Washington and Oregon—one that impacts thousands of people in our community, as well as helps advance the overall IT field."

The IT Day luncheon will feature a keynote address entitled, "Apple vs. Amazon: The Looming Tech Battle," by Adam Lashinsky, senior editor of Fortune Magazine. Tickets can be purchased for $15 and are expected to sell out in advance of the event. Bill Rosemann, editor at legendary comics publisher Marvel, will also be a guest speaker. He will offer a rare look inside the world of an iconic brand while sharing insights into what we can learn from the comics to tap into our own potential in life and career.

A vendor expo will be open throughout the day, showcasing technology and services from more than 60 local and national IT vendors and academic partners. The expo provides a unique opportunity to network and exchange information. The public can also interact with a mobile robot, named Sprockit, which provides a light-hearted connection to technology innovation.

For more detailed event information and to purchase tickets for the keynote address, visit itday.org.

As part of the Mission Support Alliance, Lockheed Martin provides integrated site-wide services for the Department of Energy's Hanford site in Richland, Wash., including safety, security and environment, site infrastructure and utilities, site business management and information resources.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 118,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.  The Corporation's net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

For additional information, visit our website: http://www.lockheedmartin.com

SOURCE Lockheed Martin